Seemingly weighed down by the ongoing speculation over his future, the club decided to put talks with the off-contract Cloke on hold during the week and it had the desired effect.
Matched up on GWS co-captain Phil Davis for most of the night, Cloke responded with 21 possessions, 11 marks and six goals straight in the Pies' 120-point victory at Skoda Stadium.
Buckley felt his key forward, who had managed just six goals in the previous four games, benefited from his teammates ball use, but was still pleased with his return ahead of some tougher challenges.
"There was a fair bit of supply with 60 inside 50s, but he was coming to meet the ball at its highest point tonight," Buckley said.
"It was encouraging to see, and he was kicking straight, which helps as a forward.
"Twenty-one touches is pretty good and his endeavour to play his role and take grabs helps as well.
"If you have been struggling, any good form is positive for the individual and clearly for the side.
"When Clokey's taking marks against an opposition and kicking goals, we're a better side, and it was good to see tonight."
Despite the lopsided scoreline, Buckley wasn't happy with every aspect of his team's play.
The coach said his side had only played "some" good football and found other areas that weren't to his liking.
"We were able to win all four quarters, which we'd only done once earlier this year," he said.
"We played some football that we were pretty happy with as well. Just some.
"GWS had 400 possessions, we ended up getting nutted in the clearances and the third quarter was disappointing for us.
"And some of their young guys played well and showed a fair bit of pluck, but they fatigued towards the end."
Heath Shaw was considered by most to be among Collingwood's best after his 23-possession, nine-mark and a goal effort off half back.
But the running defender was unhappy with his form in the rooms afterwards.
"He's a moody character," Buckley said with a smirk when asked about Shaw's reaction on seemingly a positive night for the club.
"I wouldn't read too much … well actually he wears his heart on his sleeve, so if he was dirty, he's legitimately dirty.
"You never have to guess with 'Heater'.
"But there will be something he's not happy with, one thing in particular that he'll carry with him for quite a while."
James Dampney covers Sydney AFL news for AFL.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_JD
